Adversity: Trial of Principle

Adversity is the trial of principle.

Without it, a man hardly knows whether he is honest or not.

- Henry Fielding

Isn't it amazing how adversity brings out true character? Throughout my years of being involved with pastoral ministry, I have seen the good and the bad. When calamity strikes, I have witnessed a weak person suddenly possess resolute strength and, yet, another give in to dishonesty and a loss of integrity. The next time adversity comes through your door, be determined to prove your character is impeccable.

Psalm 25:21 "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me." (NKJV)

As A Little Child

"...Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3

The above picture is of a darling little boy named Malachi. I thought it was so cute and asked his auntie if I could borrow it. The innocence and sincerity of a child is so precious. I wonder, if we took the above scripture to heart and allowed our spirit to become as a child, how much easier life would become?

Huh? Work It Out

Do not falter or shrink;

but just think out your work,

and just work out your think.

- Nixon Waterman

Self Centered or Christ Centered

Self-centered people are easily offended. They find ways to get upset over the simplest and silliest things. Then, they proceed down that well-traveled road of discouragement, depression, and defeat. The reason? They are totally consumed with self! My advise is very simple. Discover the power of a "Christ Centered Life." It is lasting, fulfilling, and you'll never be the same again. - unknown

Happy Halloween!

First, before you condemn me for saying, "Happy Halloween," hear my opinion of this day. It stems from Genesis 1:1. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..." He also created night and day, man and woman, tears and laughter. I have heard people condemn God saying, "If He was such a good, loving God, why are there murderers and rapist?" Well, God did not create a murderer or a rapist. He gave man and woman the freedom to choose. Eve chose to partake of a tree she knew was not for her consumption. Likewise, God created day and night but it was humanity that chose to pervert days by celebrating paganism. As for me, I have not chosen to celebrate a day that has been perverted by evildoers. Rather, I have chosen to celebrate the day because it is the day the Lord hath made. So, if my little girl dresses up like Sarah Palin, knocks on grandma's door and gets free candy, I don't think we have perverted the day. Since we also agree with the scripture that instructs us to shun the appearance of evil, I will not allow my child to represent a character that stems from paganism, the occult, sorcery or witchcraft. I know my opinion is controversial but, this is my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

Tell Someone! Get Help!

Earlier this month, a young, 27 year old man violently stabbed his 20 year old girlfriend to death. This tragedy is heartbreaking but it personally brings me pain. You see, the young man was raised in our church as a child. His mother and father divorced when he was very young and the mother took the children and moved several hours away. Answers will never be sufficient and, in reality, it is as if there were two deaths. One family is heartbroken for having their daughter taken away from them and another family is grieving with the knowledge their son/brother will soon be facing the death penalty. Apparently, the young man could not handle another time of rejection. My heart bleeds for both families and my mind wonders if the story would be different if the parents had not divorced and rededicated their lives to God. Of course, I will never know.

On a news website where this case was discussed, there was information concerning risks and also signs to watch for. I thought I would share some of this with you. If you know of anyone who could be at risk, share this information with them and encourage them to seek help.

The risk of a woman being killed by someone close to her is significantly increased when the abuser:-
Has access to a gun
Has made previous threats or assaults with a gun.
Is extremely jealous
Engages in physical violence of increasing severity and/or frequency.
Abuses drugs or alcohol.

SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
(These traits might not be apparent until the person is threatened by a loss of control, such as a breakup of the relationship.)
Here are some WARNING SIGNS of domestic violence perpetrators:
- Self-centered
- Obsessive
- Refusal to cope with rejection
- Quick and frequent swings from "rage" to "love”
- Constantly questioning or interrogating

Larry David's DISGUSTING BEHAVIOR

I find the below news link to be quite disturbing. In my opinion, Larry David deserves for his career to come to a screeching stop. There are lines that should not be crossed - - -even under the guise of comedy. I am thoroughly disgusted.

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment...rinates-jesus/

QUOTE FROM ARTICLE: Comedian Larry David is under attack from critics who say he pushed the mocking of religion and Christian belief in miracles over the edge in the latest episode of his HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm," which the cable network defended as "playful." On the show's most recent installment, which aired Sunday, David urinates on a painting of Jesus Christ, causing a woman to believe the painting depicts Jesus crying.

Thank God for Friends

A friend is one who sees through you

and still enjoys the view.

- Wilma Askinas

Happy 8th Birthday, Bryn!

2 weeks old with Grandma Wilson
2 years old at Pismo Beach
3 years old
4 years old

5th Birthday

6th Birdthday

7th Birthday eating special dinner fixed by Daddy

8th Birthday

My dear little princess, you are growing up too fast. It seems like just yesterday, you were mommy's real, living baby doll. Now, you are my buddy, my little partner, my angel. I love to hear you sing and laugh. One of my favorite things, is when we have enough to time to cuddle in the mornings and sing all of our songs we have made up. You have made mommy and daddy so happy and we love you 500 trillion, billion, oodles and gobs, to infinity and beyond.

Seek, Find, Love

To seek God is the greatest of all adventures.

To find God is the greatest human achievement.

To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances.

Introducing the New UPCI General Superintendent

St Louis - October 5, 2009. The United Pentecostal Church International announces the election of the Reverend Doctor David K. Bernard as General Superintendent of the 3-million-member church. The ministers of the organization selected Reverend Bernard at their 85th annual General Conference held in St Louis last week.

David K. Bernard is the founder and senior pastor of New Life Church in Austin, Texas. He is also District Superintendent of the South Texas District of the United Pentecostal Church International and president of Urshan Graduate School of Theology, located in St Louis. He has earned a doctor of jurisprudence with honors from the University of Texas, a master of theology from the University of South Africa, and a bachelor of arts in mathematical sciences and managerial studies with high honors from Rice University. He is currently a doctor of theology candidate in New Testament at the University of South Africa.

In addition to his ministry in Austin and throughout the United States, he has ministered in forty-five countries on six continents. Bernard is also a prolific writer who has written extensively on the Bible, theology, the history of doctrine, and Christian living. To date, he has written thirty books, with a circulation of about 750,000. He has been published in thirty-six languages. In addition to his books, he has produced debates and teaching series on CD and DVD and other preaching and teaching helps on CD-ROM.

David Bernard and his wife, Connie, have three children, Jonathan (married to Sara), Daniel, and Lindsey, and one grandchild, Elijah.

The United Pentecostal Church International, headquartered in St Louis, has 30,000 churches in 192 nations around the world and a ministerial membership of 27,000. It was formed in 1945 from the merger of two previously established organizations. The UPCI emerged out of the Pentecostal movement that began in Topeka, Kansas, in 1901. It traces its organizational roots to October 1916, when a large group of ministers withdrew from the Assemblies of God over the doctrinal issues of the oneness of God and water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
For the past eight years, Reverend Kenneth F. Haney has served as the General Superintendent of the church. Reverend Bernard is the 7th General Superintendent in the church's history.

Serenity Prayer (Revised)

I saw this on a friend's FB wall and couldn't resist sharing it with you. My friend, (a man) was out shopping with two women and posted he needed prayer. This was one of the responses given. Too cute!

God grant him the serenity to purchase the things he cannot afford,

the courage to charge the things he must,

and the wisdom not to point out the difference.

Industrious Indians

While on vacation and traveling through Indian country, we saw the above pictured vehicle. It gave us a good chuckle and, you have got to admit, it was industrious to repair the crunched van with adobe.

My Dear Blog, I Apologize...

My poor blog must feel so forsaken! UGH!!! I'm sorry, blog. I will try to better but life is hectic for me right now! Just wanted to share a couple pics I just took of Blake and Bryn. They are growing up too fast. The other day Blake said to me, "Mom, I'm getting orange fuzz on my face." LOL Much to my chagrin, I realize it won't be long until Blake will be shaving. Where has time gone?!?!?!?!?!?

On the Road Again...

Rob, Shara, me, and Brian
Shara & Rob
Slyvia Clemons, counselor and speaker for Points of Refuge class
Dr. Keith Sjostrand, POR instructor

Points of Refuge chairman, Ron Libby

Me and Tracie Smith

Me, Shara McKee, Tracie Smith, and Diane Green

Me and the Luciano Pavarotti of the UPC, Hugh Rose

This poor blog must feel sadly forsaken! Life has been very busy but I have not left my blog high and dry. My internet access has been limited while traveling. Brian and I left in our RV last Saturday to attend the United Pentecostal Church International General Conference held in St. Louis, Missouri. The road trip was fun in spite of the thermostat going out on our rig. That caused us to spend an extra day in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the problem was corrected. We arrived in St. Louis Tuesday evening and our good friends, Rob and Shara McKee, took us to dinner to celebrate our anniversary and the following day brought me a Gooey Butter Cake for my birthday. On Wednesday, Brian and I attended a class for our new endeavor as care givers for Points of Refuge. (http://www.pointsofrefuge.org/) The class featured three licensed counselors adding their expertise to the program. Wednesday night, we attended the musical/drama "One to Be Won." It featured a 300 voice choir, a large orchestra and a cast of great actors. Afterwards, I got to meet fellow blogger Tracie Smith. We all went out and had a great time visiting, laughing and eating. (Eating: what Pentecostals do best) This morning, I browsed the exhibit hall while Brian attended the ministers business session. Around noon, we pulled our RV out of its space and headed towards Branson. We hope to see the Noah production tonight. Brian and I are enjoying our time together and the time we were able to spend with our good friends.

Funny Kids!

Blake: Ugh!
Bryn: Smile, Blake, right now!

Blake: Don't boss me!

Silly Kids

The other day, Brian and Bryce were substitute teaching at the same elementary school. When they got home from their day of work, they sat down in the living room and began to share stories of the day. We laughed and laughed at the things kids say and do. In one third grade class, they were writing about "This or That." One of the questions was, "If you could meet Vanessa Hudgens or Kobe Bryant, which one would you choose?" A student in Brian's class wrote, "I would like to meet Vanessa Hudgens because cows are brown and have long tongues." Another wrote, "I would like to meet Vanessa Hudgens because she is filthy rich and hot." Then, Bryn wrote on her paper, "I would like to meet Vanessa Hudgens because I have already met Kobe Bryant." WHAT?!?!?!? WHEN?!?!?! WHERE?!?!?!? Not that I ever knew of! Kids - they never cease to amaze me with their imaginations but they sure bring much entertainment into a day. Gotta love 'em.

Love Deeply

Those who love deeply never grow old;

they may die of old age, but they die young.

- A.W. Pinero

This reminds me of a book titled, "Love In the 90's." It tells the love story of an elderly couple and has many photos of them, aged, but portraying their love with a look, embrace, or kiss. If the Lord allows me and Brian to live that long, I think a sequel could be written.

More Party Pics

The actual day of Brian's birthday, his parents took him out for a fabulous dinner.

Birthday cheesecake
Brian and his goober first born LOL
Brian with THE three kiddos

The party at the church was Hawaiian themed.

Tropical shirts and leis galore.

Sis. Alice (party organizer), Sis. Marilyn and Sis. Denise

Bro. Willie helping serve his specialties

Bro. Ernie and Sis. Lorraine

Bro. Espinoza

Sis. Cyrena, (soon coming baby) and Bro. Ernie, Jr.

Bro. Greg was all decked out!

Brittany, Daria, Jasmine

Bro. Rudy

Thank you to all those that worked to honor your pastor.

1 Timothy 5:17 KJV
17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour,

especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Party Snapshots

A few snaps from Brian's 50th birthday party.

Will post more pics tomorrow.

Brian's mom and Evielee (Brian's childhood legal guardian in case of emergency)
Brian's Aunt Evelyn, Bryce, and cousin Deanna

Brian's second cousin Heather, Bryce & friend

Brian by a totem pole

One of two cakes

Brian with his dad and mom

30 Years Ago Today...

Jana became a bride!
The bride & her groom, Brian A. Allard
The bride and her daddy, the late Rev. Paul F. Wilson
Brian & Jana

THE kiss!

Brian got his girl!

Jana got her man!

Leaving for the honeymoon...

...and the honeymoon continues thirty years later.

Happy Anniversary, Brian.

You are my forever love.

Start Over

Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently

- Henry Ford

Thank God for second chances.

Our failures are not fatal.

WRONG!!!!!!!

I believe with all my heart that civilization has produced nothing finer

than a man or woman who thinks and practices true tolerance.

- Frank Knox

WRONG!!!!!!!!! I will not tolerate ill-manners, disrespect, drugs, immorality, lying, cheating, stealing, hatred, and such in my home. Even God does not tolerate some things.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (King James Version)
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (The Message)
16-19 Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.

Happy 50th Birthday, Brian

Occasionally you cry Most of the time you are pleasant

Nearly all the time you are fun

You fell in love

Your family is top priority

Your heart was stolen by a princess

You willingly share for others benefit

You are the man I love.

Happy 50th Birthday, Brian.

So much to say and yet, where do I start.

My first crush on you was in 1972.

I knew you were "the one" in 1975.

"Inseparable" in 1979.

You became "daddy" in 1986.

Not just any dad but, the best.

Bottles, diapers, you could handle anything.

Proud daddy to the 2nd son in 1997.

Finally, your princess arrived in 2001.

You seem content to be my shadow but, what people don't know,

you are the wind beneath my wings.

You are a great pastor, mentor, friend.

You are the most unselfish person I know and you deserve the best.

My heart belongs to you,

Jana

Have You Ever Seen Such A Thing?!?

Yesterday, while at therapy, the therapist put the above contraption on my foot/ankle while she had the brace off. The texture is much like a fabric band-aid. The large portion was placed on my leg and the "arms" stretched down my leg to my foot. Supposedly, this is to reduce swelling. Huh? This combined with the brace makes for some funny stares and comments. Oh, well! Whatever it takes to get this foot/ankle well. Only in the life of Jana! I live drama-to-drama.

Words From A Friend

#1 TIP TO MOVE YOUR MINISTRY FORWARD

by Mark Condon

Around the country I am often approached by people in my conferences and seminars who have a desire to move their ministry, music or life in a forward motion. I want to help you today do that very thing with this one idea! This morning I was in the airport and I needed to get to the other side of the airport in a hurry. So, I took advantage of the people mover (it is like a flat escalator) and was walking at a normal speed when I quickly passed up some people who were expending the exact amount of energy as I was but they were not going anywhere near the speed that I was going. You see, they were walking on the floor next to the people mover. They were so close to success but yet so far! I am not sure why anyone would take the regular floor route when you could get there twice as fast with the same amount of energy. The thought quickly came to mind that this is how life is for so many people. Some people seem to be doing the same thing as you are but for some reason they are getting to their destiny quicker than you are. I want to give you a "people mover" idea that will allow you to move your ministry and life in a forward direction quicker than 90% of everyone you know! This may sound elementary but it really is the base for which EVERYTHING needs to be channeled through. Excellence! Yes, I am asking you to be a person of excellence and a person of character. This may seem common but I really feel that it is something that many of us do not apply often enough on a consistent basis. Diligence is where it is at!!! Hint: DEVOUR Proverbs. I am referring to all of the small things like:

1. Picking up papers that are laying on the floor that you maybe didn't put there. How about when you go into a grocery store and pick up an item but later realize that you do not need it so you just put it down anywhere instead of putting it back where it belongs. How about making your bed every morning or cleaning up the kitchen after you use it. How about making sure your paper towel actually goes into the wastebasket in public restrooms. Do the things that most people will not do and you will quickly find yourself receiving the things and opportunities that most people do not receive.

2. Keeping very good care of what you have. For example: cars, house, apartment, closets, garage, and bills. How do we ever expect God to give us more when we do not adequately honor and respect what He has already given to us. How often do we try to get a little more out of someone, store or friend because we are just downright cheap. What would happen if we would go overboard and bless someone or some business. How often do we go off on some fast food attendant because they made a mistake or are slow? Why not be an example of excellence and go overboard with kindness. How about being cheap on tipping? How about being honest on copyright, discounts or things that you just may get away with but yet you know it is not right?

3. How about paying your bills on time and not spending more than you know is right for your family budget. How about being early and stop coming in at the last minute or worse, arriving late! I really think that 90% or more of people do just what it takes to get by and that is why the majority of people live a very average life. The people who go overboard are the ones who get to enjoy the true blessings and the finer things of God! I really want to encourage you to step onto the "People Mover" of God's plan and position yourself to move faster than ever. Pay attention to the details and always say it is unto God that I do this. Do what almost no one else will do. Step out and enjoy the kind of life that is so rewarding!

Hmmm, Hmmmm, Hmmmm.....

Had a song going through my head...

...You can't knock me down,

when I'm already on my knees...

Walk In Truth

Ten Commandments or Ten Suggestions?

Convictions or Preferences?

Morality or Immorality?

Truth or Lies?

Honesty or Deceit?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buy the truth, and sell it not;

also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

- Proverbs 23:23 KJV

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Direct my footsteps according to your word;

let no sin rule over me.

Psalm 119:133 NIV

Courage and Critics

Whatever you do, you need courage.

Whatever course you decide upon,

there is always someone to tell you you are wrong.

There are always difficulties arising

which tempt you to believe that your critics are right.

To map out a course of action and follow it to the end,

requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs.

Peace has its victories,

but it takes brave men to win them.

- Emerson

Have enough courage to live above your critics.

Trials Only Make Us Stronger

The gem cannot be polished without friction,

nor man perfected without trials.

- Chinese proverb

More Camp Pics

My favorite redhead - Bryn-Anika
Another darling redhead - Chloe Tredway riding with her daddy on his golf cart
Jr. Campers playing ball

There were jean skirts, and more jean skirts and more jean skirts

One of the exhibits was this tantalizing bakery.

This booth specialized in girls clothing and accessories.

While on exhibit, they custom wrapped this van with extreme graphics. Quite an interesting way to "paint" your vehicle.

Brian Kinsey speaking at an evening service

Although half of W.A.Y. Choir was in Nashville at Youth Congress, the remaining members brought the house down Thursday evening.

Apostolic Tabernacle of Merced - Need I say more??? There's nobody like 'em. They tore the roof off!!!

Part of the crowd. (The blue carpet is the middle aisle so this pic represents about half the crowd.)

Now that the Western District has now become two separate districts (SoCal and Western), we felt as if we were starting over and not sure what to expect. Our expectations were exceeded! The Camp Meeting had an outstanding attendance and was able to function "in the black" with monies already in reserve for next year. Gaylen Cantrell was the Camp Meeting director and Brian was his adminstrator. They are overjoyed with the success of this Camp Meeting. This year's exhibit hall featured a great variety of products. Pentecostal Publishing House of St. Louis, Missouri set up a large book store, there were several booths of ladies clothing, purses, shoes, tapestry wall hangings, various artists with their CD's, a bakery, and a booth that had fried pies, homemade ice cream, cookies, etc. I suggested they make half the exhibit hall into a food court next year. The daily Bible teacher was Dr. James Hughes and the evening speaker was Rev. Brian Kinsey. What an incredible team!!! The CD's can be ordered through www.wdcampmeeting.com. Putting whip cream and a cherry on this camp was the gorgeous weather. I love camp time.